For decades, science fiction promised us robot butlers. While we aren’t quite at the Jetsons level of flying maids yet, Amazon has brought us one step closer with Amazon Astro.
Part smart display, part security guard, and entirely adorable, Astro is part of Amazon’s “Day 1 Editions”—a program for innovative, invitation-only devices. It’s not just a stagnant speaker sitting on your counter; it’s Alexa on wheels. But is this roving robot just a novelty, or is it a genuine game-changer for home monitoring?
We took a deep dive into what makes Astro tick (and roll) to help you decide if you should request that exclusive invitation.
What Can Astro Actually Do? (Key Features)
Astro packs a lot of technology into a compact frame. Here is what separates it from your standard Echo Show:
- Intelligent Motion & Mapping: Astro doesn’t just bump into walls. It uses advanced navigation technology to map your home’s floor plan, allowing you to send it to specific rooms on command.
- Periscope Camera for Home Monitoring: This is the killer feature. Astro has a rising periscope camera that can extend 42 inches high, perfect for checking if you left the stove on or seeing what the dog is doing on the couch.
- Alexa on the Go: It follows you (if you want it to) while playing music, podcasts, or video calls. It keeps your entertainment or communication within eyeshot as you move from the kitchen to the living room.
- Privacy First: Amazon knows people are wary of cameras. Astro has a dedicated button to turn off mics, cameras, and motion. You can also program “out of bounds” zones in the app where Astro is forbidden to go.
- Ring Home Integration: With the included Ring Home Trial (or subscription), Astro creates a smart security patrol. It can investigate unrecognized people, listen for glass breaking, and save video history for up to 180 days.
- Cargo & Accessories: It has a small cargo bin! You can accessorize it with a Furbo Dog Camera to toss treats or even an OMRON blood pressure monitor.
Performance & User Experience
So, what is it like living with a robot?
The Good:
The “peace of mind” factor is real. Being able to open your phone at work and drive Astro into the kitchen to double-check the oven is genuinely useful. The personality engine is also surprisingly charming. Astro uses digital eyes on its screen to convey emotion, and it will hang out nearby without being intrusive.
For pet owners, it’s fantastic. Unlike a static camera that your cat can hide from, Astro can go find them. Plus, the integration with Ring Protect Pro turns it into an active sentry that patrols your house while you’re on vacation.
The Considerations:
Currently, Astro is an invitation-only product and only ships to the 50 US states. It also has physical limitations—it cannot climb stairs. If you have a multi-story home, Astro is stuck on one floor. Furthermore, to unlock the full potential of its security features, you really need that Ring Home Premium subscription.
Who Should Request an Invite?
Astro isn’t for everyone, but it is perfect for a specific type of user:
- The Anxious Traveler: If you constantly worry about open windows or running appliances while away, Astro is the ultimate cure for that anxiety.
- Pet Parents: It’s the best pet monitor on the market, hands down.
- Remote Caregivers: If you want to check in on an elderly relative (with their permission) and drop in for a video call that follows them to their favorite armchair, Astro is a great tool.
- Tech Enthusiasts: If you love having the latest smart home tech before anyone else, this is the ultimate flex.
The Verdict
Amazon Astro is a bold step forward. It bridges the gap between a smart home hub and a security drone. While the price point and exclusivity make it a luxury item, the utility it offers for home monitoring is unmatched by any stationary camera. It’s cute, it’s capable, and it’s likely the first ancestor of the robots we’ll all have in 10 years.
If you can get an invite, Astro is a fun, functional addition to the connected home.
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